Match Report

SSW Devon v Yate (U13s)

Saints Southwest Devon hosted Yate on a wet morning in Paignton, thankfully with the game being played on a 3G pitch the poor weather would not have an effect on the game.

Saints attempted to start the game with intent, having been set some tough challenges from their coach, however some sloppy play in the first five minutes gifted Yate some confidence in the game. Yate spurned the first chance of the game after Saints gave the ball away needlessly on the edge of their box, but fortunately the Yate striker fired straight at Ben Kay who reacted well to narrow the angle. Saints slowly started to find their rhythm, Jacob Wales being released on a few occasions down the right hand side, but his deliveries were well cut out by well positioned Yate defenders. Finley Brown had some nearly moments in the box, but was well closed down by Yate defenders, before he provided Charlie Muir with a good chance on the edge of the box which cannoned off the post. Charlie had a further opportunity to put Saints in the lead before the quarter was up, but could only find the leg of the out stretched keeper, while Angus also fired over from a Saints pull back. Saints were also caught offside on a number of occasions in the quarter as the sought the opener. A real flurry in the last 10 minutes but the first quarter ended 0-0!

Kelson Pollard was introduced in the second quarter, and this time a move down the right hand side resulted in him firing a ball across the box, Finley Brown attacked it, his initial effort was blocked, before he reacted quickest to fire into the net. Yate however soon levelled, after Saints defence misjudged a high ball forward, Jim Baker gambled and fired over Seb Dollar and into the net. The goal however didn’t stop Saints pressing forward, their passing was becoming slicker and quicker. A smart short corner found an onrushing Tom Mortimore who smashed a shot from 25 yard onto the roof of the net, before Aiden Blackie scored an absolutely peach, running onto a bouncing ball 20 yards out and smashing into the top corner with the outside of his foot. Kelson continued to threaten down the right hand side with team mate Leo Golding, Kelson claimed a goal when his cross/shot deflected off a Yate defender and found its way into the net. He then added a goal which nobody could deny was his! Beating his left back, seemingly heading towards the byline to cross, unleashed a rocket of a shot into the near top corner which past the keeper before he could blink!

4-1 at Half Time

The third quarter was a complete contrast of the start. Yates resilience and determined play was admirable, they took the fight to Saints and Saints seemingly weren’t up for it at this time. Yate pulled one back after a mix up between defence and goalkeeper left Jem Baker with the simple task of tapping home. The remainder of the quarter was scrappy, but the better of the play from Yate as Saints disappointingly had nothing to offer against their opponents this quarter.

Manager Adam expected a response from his Saints side in the final quarter, and they got off to a better start as Kelson fired in his third, a simple finish 1v1 after a smart assist from Finley Brown. Saints then hit the bar again through Jacob Wales, before Finley spurned an opportunity for himself to grab another after some more wonderful footwork cutting in from the left to create the opening, before Kelson added another from the edge of the box into the corner, with Will Hall wrapping up the scoring with another excellent controlled volley from the edge of the box.

All in all a competitive game, with some outstanding moments in it. We hope everyone associated with Yate had a safe journey home and we wish you well for the remainder of the season.